A HOSPITALS Trust has backed a campaign to reduce the sale of sugary drinks on NHS premises.

East Lancashire Hospitals Trust (ELHT) said it is one of 141 trusts nationally to sign up to the scheme.

It aims to slash sales of sugary soft drinks, milkshakes and hot drinks with added sugar syrups to 10 per cent or less of all beverages sold.

Almost two-thirds of NHS trusts have already signed up to the voluntary scheme, but 91 trusts are yet to join the programme.

Hospitals and suppliers have been warned a ban will be introduced next year if they don’t take action to reduce sales by the end of March this year.

The ban would cover hospital canteens, shops and vending machines.

ELHT said it voluntarily joined the NHS England campaign last summer.

Currently, about nine out of ten drinks sold in trust restaurants - and 70 per cent in their vending machines - contain less than the recommended 5mg/100ml of sugar.

Christine Pearson, director of nursing at ELHT said: “As an important part of our efforts to prevent disease and protect health, the trust takes our responsibility to provide healthy, nutritious food and drink very seriously.

“This is a priority as the number of people affected by unhealthy weight continues to rise.

“Last summer, the trust voluntarily joined NHS England’s campaign to reduce the sale of sugar-sweetened drinks on NHS premises.

“Today, about nine out of 10 drinks sold in trust restaurants – and 70 per cent in our vending machines - contain less than the recommended5mg/100ml of sugar.

“With the continued support of our food and drink partners, we will offer more healthy alternatives which help individuals to make better informed choices about the food and drink they buy.

“For patients, getting hospital food and drink right is considered an important part of someone’s medical care.

“For staff and visitors, the trust and our food and drink partners offer a large selection of food and drink options in our restaurants, snack bars and vending machines.”

NHS England chief executive Simon Stevens said it is important the NHS ‘practises what it preaches’ on healthy food and drink.

Mr Stevens said: “We want 2018 to be the year when the tasty, affordable and easy option for patients, staff and visitors is the healthy option.

“Many NHS hospitals have answered the call and are taking positive action.”

Some 14 national suppliers, including WH Smith, Marks & Spencer and Greggs have signed up to the NHS voluntary scheme along with 141 of 232 trusts.

Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust banned sugary drinks two years ago, while Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust has only sold non-sugar sweetened beverages in its seven cafes, two shops and vending machines since January last year.

Public Health England chief executive Duncan Selbie said: “Hospitals should play an important role in preventing obesity, not just treating it.”